Why Is Bybit Increasing Its Middle East Presence?

Crypto exchange Bybit said it will deepen its operations in the Middle East and North Africa as geopolitical tensions rise across the region. The announcement came alongside the appointment of a new country manager responsible for expanding the company’s regional footprint.

Tensions in the region escalated last month following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Iran later responded with retaliatory actions targeting several neighboring countries, including the United Arab Emirates, where Bybit maintains a major operational base.

Despite the uncertainty, Bybit’s leadership said the company does not intend to reduce its presence in the Gulf. Instead, the exchange is continuing to expand staffing, regulatory engagement, and partnerships in the region.

Helen Liu, co-CEO of Bybit, said the firm is taking a different approach from companies that are reconsidering their exposure to the region.

“Some companies are reassessing their Gulf exposure right now. We are doing the opposite. We are deepening our presence, our investment, and our commitment to this region,” Liu said.

“We continue to invest in local talent, regulatory compliance, and community partnerships. The UAE’s vision to become the world’s leading digital asset hub is not diminished by this crisis. If anything, the resilience this nation is showing only reinforces why we chose to build here.”

Investor Takeaway

Major exchanges continue to treat the UAE as a core growth market even during periods of geopolitical tension, reflecting confidence in the country’s regulatory framework and long-term digital asset strategy.

Who Will Lead Bybit’s Regional Expansion?

Bybit confirmed that Derek Dai has been appointed country manager for the MENA region. His responsibilities include overseeing market development, regulatory engagement, institutional relationships, and localized product strategy.

The exchange also said it has introduced safety measures for employees based in the UAE. These include daily welfare check-ins, real-time safety confirmations, and relocation or travel assistance where necessary.

Dai described the Middle East as one of the fastest-growing areas for digital asset adoption and said the company intends to deepen integration with the region’s financial infrastructure.

“Our priority is to deepen collaboration with financial centers such as the DIFC and the DMCC,” Dai said.

He added that Bybit also plans to expand infrastructure connecting digital assets with traditional financial services and support the development of tokenized real-world assets linked to conventional markets.

Why the UAE Remains a Crypto Hub

The UAE has become one of the most active digital asset markets globally, drawing exchanges, blockchain startups, and investment firms seeking regulatory clarity and access to international capital flows.

Industry estimates suggest that roughly 1,800 crypto companies now operate in the country, employing more than 8,600 people. Activity has been particularly strong in financial free zones such as Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai’s specialized financial districts.

Regulatory momentum has also continued. Abu Dhabi’s ADGM financial center reported a 67% increase in new licenses issued at the start of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, reflecting rising interest from digital asset firms and related service providers.

Investor Takeaway

The UAE’s licensing growth and concentration of crypto firms suggest the country is strengthening its role as a regional base for exchanges, custody providers, and blockchain infrastructure companies.

Do Conflicts Drive Crypto Activity?

Periods of geopolitical tension often coincide with increased crypto usage as individuals seek ways to move or protect assets outside the traditional banking system. Recent developments in Iran offered a reminder of that pattern.

Following strikes on Tehran, Iran’s largest crypto exchange, Nobitex, recorded a surge in withdrawals as users moved funds off the platform. Data analysis indicated that outflows rose sharply within minutes of the reported attacks.

Such behavior reflects a recurring dynamic in digital asset markets: during times of crisis or uncertainty, crypto can function as a rapid transfer channel when access to conventional financial systems becomes uncertain or restricted.